Who Is Cooper Ouellette? CT Trial Explained

Cooper Ouellette, a 21-year-old man from Harwinton, Connecticut, is standing trial in connection with the May 2023 death of 17-year-old Sophie Ringquist. Prosecutors allege Ouellette drove a pickup truck recklessly after they left a party, leading Ringquist to fall or be thrown from the vehicle and later die from fatal injuries. Ouellette has pleaded not guilty. The case is State of Connecticut v. Cooper Ouellette, with charges including first-degree manslaughter and delivery of alcohol to a minor; he has not been charged with murder. Trial began in New Britain Superior Court on October 29, 2026, with testimony continuing as of October 30.